Chevrolet Repair: 2001 dodge caravan cylinder compression, blown head gasket, dodge caravan

Question
QUESTION: I have a 2001 Dodge Caravan (2.4l 4cyl).  It won't pas inspection because there is no compression in cylinder #3.  The garage said to either put a new engine in or sell my van.  Neither is an option financially.  Do I have other options?

ANSWER: Hi Travis,

Why does the #3 have no compression?  Cracked Jug?  Blown head gasket?  Bad Valve?  Something else?

If it is simply a head or head gasket issue, then it is not too difficult to repair.  If it is the cylinder bore (JUG), that is bad.  If it is a cylinder piston, not dire.  

Depending on the cause, there could be good news.  However I don't know the cause.  Write back if you were told what the reason is.  

C J S

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: I wasn't told and the fam had to get a vehicle fast so I traded it in.  Thanks for your time!!

Answer
That's cool.  Thanks for the update.  It probably was a bad bore and that would have been a new motor.  For your info, next time, you could hook up a compression tester where the spark plug goes, and hook up an air hose.  Listen for the sound of air leaking.  If the sound comes from the oil pan, then it is bad rings or cracked bore.  If the air intake or exhaust pipe, then it is a valve.  If head gasket, you would probably hear it in the radiator.